Being
a male is a health risk these days. When males and females suffer similar
problems, males die faster and earlier than females.

Our biggest difficulties are that we seek help too late, deny a lot of
problems and have trouble discussing our feelings. Few men turn up for
checkups. Even when they do, many will not mention long-standing problems
unless specifically asked.

Since the release of Viagra, GP's have been delighted to have seen many
men for a checkup. All have had some problem with their love life for
years and many have health problems that need attention.

The problems centre on relationships, stress, general fitness, alcohol,
drugs, medications, and previously unrecognised illnesses. Over time some
people have drifted apart, have not invested time and effort in communication.
For these men, sex has become reduced to a biological activity and is
simply boring.

Adrenaline interferes with male performance. Once the novelty of sex has
worn off, men need to be relaxed and in the mood to perform. Being stressed
means that blood is directed elsewhere.

We are not superhuman and every so often there are failures. If we do
not accept these failures as being part of the human experience, every
time an opportunity presents itself we worry that we will fail

This anxiety itself becomes the problem, kicks up too much adrenaline
and as I said, it directs the blood elsewhere.

Poor sleep and poor fitness interfere with all performances, even in the
bedroom. Self medication for stress such as alcohol, smoking and other
drugs also have a definite effect on males.

Rarely, some medications can interfere with sexual functioning. But unless
the doctor is told of the problem, an alternative cannot be offered.

And there is a wide range of medical conditions which interfere with male
functioning, especially depression, diabetes and heart disease.

Discussion of impotence provides a great chance to check for illness,
promote health and discuss the benefits of healthy living. As such VIRGO
has already proven itself as a major help in GPs promotion of men's health

Dr
Chris Hoagy is chairman of the Victorian Faculty of the
Royal Australian College of General Practitione